On March 31 in a verbal ruling, the Denver District Court found that Governor Ritter’s September 2010 opt-out from the Medicare requirement that a CRNA must practice under physician supervision in rural communities and Critical Access Hospitals was consistent with Colorado law. A written order is expected to be issued soon. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed against Governor Ritter’s opt-out decision.


CRHC thanks the Colorado Hospital Association, Colorado Nurses Association, and the Colorado Registered Nurse Anesthetists who worked diligently to see the opt-out decision upheld. CRHC has long-supported an opt-out of CRNA supervision requirements to improve access to healthcare in rural communities and will continue to keep our readers updated on any new developments.